Bi-Directional Valve Device for Selective Control of Fluid Flow Through Multiple Converging Paths

ABSTRACT

Hand-operated suction and irrigation medical devices are provided. An example medical device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The housing defines first and second inlet paths and an outlet path. A first tubular member is partially disposed within the first inlet path and a second tubular member is partially disposed within the second inlet path. Each of the first and second tubular members extends from the proximal end of the housing. A third tubular member is partially disposed within the outlet path and extends from the distal end of the housing. A control member is slidably disposed on the housing and is movable between a first, proximal position and a second, distal position. A passageway provides fluid communication between the first inlet path and an opening to an environment external to the housing such that covering the opening provides control over the flow of fluid through the first inlet path and the first tubular member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/174,220,filed on Jun. 6, 2016, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.14/210,821, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,360,124, which was filed on Mar. 14,2014 and which claims the benefit of provisional application No.61/786,760, which was filed on Mar. 15, 2013. Each of these relatedapplications is hereby incorporated into this disclosure by thisreference.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of valve devices forregulating the flow of fluid through fluid paths. The valve devicesdescribed in the disclosure are particularly well-suited for use inhand-operated devices, such as medical devices and medical devicehandles. Specifically described embodiments relate to medical devicesfor selective suction and irrigation of body passageways.

BACKGROUND

Various clinical procedures require or benefit from the provision ofirrigation and suction to a point of treatment. Irrigation allows theclinician to maintain a wet environment for the surrounding tissue whilesuction provides a tool for removing debris, excess irrigant or otherundesirable material from the point of treatment.

Unfortunately, the use of irrigation and suction currently requires theuse of separate devices. Thus, in sinus surgery, for example, each timeirrigation is desired, the clinician must select a designated irrigationdevice and advance the device into the nose of the patient beforeirrigation can be performed. When suction is needed, the irrigationdevice must be removed from the patient's nose and laid aside. Theclinician must then select a designated suction device and advance thedevice into the nose of the patient before suction can be applied. As aresult, many time-consuming device exchanges must be performed, each ofwhich adds time to the procedure and increases the risk for trauma tothe patient as additional entries are required.

Thus, a need exists for improved valve devices that allow selectivecontrol of multiple fluid paths.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

Various example valve devices are described and illustrated herein.

An example valve device comprises a housing defining first and secondinlet paths, an outlet path, and a junction in fluid communication withthe first and second inlet paths and the outlet path, the housingfurther defining first and second plunger cavities; a first plungerdisposed in the first plunger cavity, the first plunger adapted to movebetween a first position in which the first plunger impedes fluid flowthrough the first inlet passage and a second position; a second plungerdisposed in the second plunger cavity, the second plunger adapted tomove between a first position in which the second plunger impedes fluidflow through the second inlet passage and a second position; and acontrol member slidably attached to the housing and defining first andsecond plunger recesses, the first plunger recess sized and configuredto receive a portion of the first plunger when the first plunger is inits second position and the second plunger recess sized and configuredto receive a portion of the second plunger when the second plunger is inits second position. The control member is movable between a first,proximal position in which the first plunger is in its first positionand the second plunger is in its second position and a second, distalposition in which the first plunger is in its second position and thesecond plunger is in its first position.

Another example valve device comprises a housing defining a main bodydefining an internal chamber and an opening providing access to theinternal chamber, and a cradle portion defining first and second inletpaths, an outlet path, a junction in fluid communication with the firstand second inlet paths and the outlet path, and first and second plungercavities; a first plunger disposed in the first plunger cavity, thefirst plunger adapted to move between a first position in which thefirst plunger impedes fluid flow through the first inlet passage and asecond position; a second plunger disposed in the second plunger cavity,the second plunger adapted to move between a first position in which thesecond plunger impedes fluid flow through the second inlet passage and asecond position; and a control member slidably attached to the housingand defining first and second plunger recesses, the first plunger recesssized and configured to receive a portion of the first plunger when thefirst plunger is in its second position and the second plunger recesssized and configured to receive a portion of the second plunger when thesecond plunger is in its second position. The control member is movablebetween a first, proximal position in which the first plunger is in itsfirst position and the second plunger is in its second position and asecond, distal position in which the first plunger is in its secondposition and the second plunger is in its first position.

Another example valve device comprises a housing defining a main bodydefining an internal chamber and an opening providing access to theinternal chamber, and a cradle portion defining first and second inletpaths, an outlet path, a junction in fluid communication with the firstand second inlet paths and the outlet path, first and second plungercavities, and first and second rails disposed outside of the internalchamber; a first plunger disposed in the first plunger cavity, the firstplunger adapted to move between a first position in which the firstplunger impedes fluid flow through the first inlet passage and a secondposition; a second plunger disposed in the second plunger cavity, thesecond plunger adapted to move between a first position in which thesecond plunger impedes fluid flow through the second inlet passage and asecond position; and a control member slidably attached to the housingand defining a first channel that receives the first rail, a secondchannel that receives the second rail, and first and second plungerrecesses, the first plunger recess sized and configured to receive aportion of the first plunger when the first plunger is in its secondposition and the second plunger recess sized and configured to receive aportion of the second plunger when the second plunger is in its secondposition. The control member is movable between a first, proximalposition in which the first plunger is in its first position and thesecond plunger is in its second position and a second, distal positionin which the first plunger is in its second position and the secondplunger is in its first position

Additional understanding of the inventive valve devices can be obtainedwith review of the detailed description, below, and the appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example valve device having acontrol member in a first, proximal position.

FIG. 1A is a sectional view of the valve device illustrated in FIG. 1,taken along line 1A-1A.

FIG. 1B is a sectional view of the valve device illustrated in FIG. 1,taken along line 1B-1B.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a first example valve device. Inthis figure, the control member is in a second, distal position.

FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the valve device illustrated in FIG. 2,taken along line 2A-2A.

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the valve device illustrated in FIG. 2,taken along line 2B-2B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a control member isolated from a firstexample valve device.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the control member illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a top view of an alternative control member.

FIG. 5 is a top view of another alternative control member.

FIG. 6A is a sectional view of a second example valve device. In thisfigure, the control member is in a first, proximal position.

FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the second example valve device. In thisfigure, the control member is in a second, intermediate position.

FIG. 6C is a sectional view of the second example valve device. In thisfigure, the control member is in a third, distal position.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another example control member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate various example valve devices. The description anddrawings are exemplary in nature and are provided to enable one skilledin the art to make and use one or more example valve devices. They arenot intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A and 2B illustrate a first example valve device10. Valve device 10 includes a housing 12, first 14 and second 16 inletpaths, outlet path 18, and junction 20 joining the first 14 and second16 inlet paths and the outlet path 18. A first plunger 22 is partiallydisposed in the first inlet path 14 and is movable between first andsecond positions. Similarly, a second plunger 24 is partially disposedin the second inlet path 16 and is movable between first and secondpositions. A control member 26 is slidably disposed on the housing 12and is movable between a first, proximal position, illustrated in FIGS.1, 1A and 1B, and a second, distal position, illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2Aand 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, first 28 and second 30 tubularmembers are partially disposed in the first 14 and second 16 inletpaths, respectively. Also, an outlet tubular member 32 is partiallydisposed in the outlet path 18.

Each of the plungers 22, 24 provides a barrier to fluid flow through therespective inlet path 14, 16 when in its first position, but provides nobarrier or less of a barrier to fluid flow through the respective inletpath 14, 16 when in its second position. As best illustrated in FIG. 1A,the control member 26 maintains the first plunger 22 in its firstposition and provides a barrier that prevents the first plunger 22 frommoving to its second position when the control member 26 is in thefirst, proximal position. Also while in the first, proximal position,the control member 26 receives a portion of the second plunger 24,allowing it to be positioned in its second position. In contrast, and asbest illustrated in FIG. 2A, the control member 26 maintains the secondplunger 24 in its first position and provides a barrier that preventsthe second plunger 24 from moving to its second position when thecontrol member 26 is in the second, distal position. Also while in thesecond, distal position, the control member 26 receives a portion of thefirst plunger 22, allowing it to be positioned in its second position.Each plunger in a valve device according to a particular embodiment canhave any suitable structure and configuration; the illustratedstructures are examples of suitable structures. Another example of asuitable structure is a plunger that defines an aperture through itsthickness. With these plungers, the aperture defines a passagewaythrough the plunger that is in communication with the inlet path withwhich the plunger is associated when the plunger is in its secondposition, thereby allowing fluid flow through the inlet path and theaperture. When in the plunger is in its first position, however, theaperture is out of alignment with the inlet path and provides a barrierto fluid flow through the inlet path.

Movement of the control member 26 between its first, proximal andsecond, distal positions results in movement of each of the plungers 22,24 between its first and second positions, but in opposite orders. Thus,movement of the control member 26 between its first, proximal andsecond, distal positions controls fluid flow through the inlet paths 14,16 and into the junction 20 and outlet path 18. For example, movement ofthe control member 26 from the first, proximal position, bestillustrated in FIG. 1, to the second, distal position, best illustratedin FIG. 2, forces the first plunger 22 to move from its first position,in which it blocks fluid flow through inlet path 14 as best illustratedin FIG. 1A, to its second position, in which it provides no barrier orless of a barrier to fluid flow through inlet path 14 as bestillustrated in FIG. 2A. In contrast, movement of the control member 26from the second, distal position, best illustrated in FIG. 2, to thefirst, proximal position, best illustrated in FIG. 1, forces the secondplunger 24 to move from its first position, in which it blocks fluidflow through inlet path 16 as best illustrated in FIG. 2A, to its secondposition, in which it provides no barrier or less of a barrier to fluidflow through inlet path 16 as best illustrated in FIG. 1A. As such,movement of the control member 26 between its first, proximal andsecond, distal positions provides selective control over fluid flowthrough the inlet paths 14, 16 and into the junction 20 and outlet path.

In the illustrated embodiment, housing 12 defines an internal chamber 40within which the first 28 and second 30 inlet tubular members and theoutlet tubular member 32 are partially inserted. In this embodiment,each of the first 28 and second 30 inlet tubular members recoils inresponse to being compressed by the respective plunger 22, 24 followingthe appropriate movement of the control member 26, as described above.As such, housing 12 defines first 42 and second 44 openings that providefluid communication to the first 14 and second 16 inlet paths,respectively. Also, housing 12 defines a third opening 46 that providesfluid communication to the outlet path 18. It is noted that internalchamber can have any suitable size, shape and configuration, and theillustrated chamber is exemplary in nature. Also, the internal chamberis considered optional. For example, a solid form housing can be used,essentially eliminating the internal chamber.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, housing 12 defines cradle portion 48that defines the first 14 and second 16 inlet paths, the junction 20 andthe outlet path 18. Cradle portion 48 also defines first 50, second 52and third 54 wall portions that cooperatively define first 56 and second58 plunger cavities. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2A, first 50and second 52 wall portions cooperatively define first plunger cavity56, within which the first plunger 22 is disposed and able to movebetween its first and second positions. Similarly, second 52 and third54 wall portions cooperatively define second plunger cavity 58, withinwhich the second plunger 24 is disposed and able to move between itsfirst and second positions.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, housing 12 defines first 60 andsecond 62 rails that are disposed outside of the internal chamber 40 andabove a main external surface 64 of the housing 12. As best illustratedin FIGS. 1A and 2A, control member 26 defines complimentary channels 64,66 that receive the first 60 and second 62 rails. The interface betweenrails 60, 62 and channels 64, 66 allows the control member 26 to moveslidably along the housing and affect the movement of the plungers 22,24, and the overall operation of the valve device 10, as describedabove.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, housing 12 defines opening 70between the internal chamber 40 and the environment external to thehousing 12. Cradle portion 48 is disposed through opening 70 such that afirst portion of the cradle portion 48 is disposed within the internalchamber 40 and a second portion of the cradle portion 48 is disposedoutside of the internal chamber 40.

In the illustrated embodiment, housing 12 defines ancillary passageway95 that is positioned proximal to the control member 26 and that is influid communication with the first inlet path 14. Ancillary passageway95 terminates in opening 97 on the external surface 64 of the housing12. While inclusion of the ancillary passageway 95 is consideredoptional, it is also considered advantageous for inclusion in valvedevices intended to be used with suction because it provides a degree ofmanual control over the suction. For example, if inlet tubular member28, and therefore inlet path 14, of valve device 14 were connected to asuction source, a clinician can use a finger, thumb or other item tocover opening 97, effectively forcing the suction source to draw fluidthrough the inlet path 14 instead of through the ancillary passageway95. This provides an additional degree of control over the flow of fluidthrough the inlet path and the inlet tubular member, if included, ofthese particular valve devices.

Housing 12 can have any suitable size, shape and configuration, and askilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate size, shape andconfiguration for a valve device according to a particular embodimentbased on various considerations, including the intended use of the valvedevice. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, housing 12 has acylindrical configuration with the opening 40 and control member 26positioned toward the distal end of the valve device (toward the outletpath 18 in the figures). The inventors have determined that thisconfiguration is suitable for valve devices intended to be used inhand-operated medical devices, such as suction/irrigation devices.

It is also noted that the housing can comprise a unitary member or cancomprise two or more separate members that are attached to form thehousing. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, housing 12 isformed of housing members 72, 74 that are attached to each other with aseries of connectors 76. In these embodiments, any suitable connectorscan be used, including rivets, screws, adhesives, and the like. Thehousing submembers 72, 74 can also be structured to allow a mechanicalinteraction between them that is sufficient to provide the desiredattachment. Also in the illustrated embodiment, cradle portion 48 is aseparate member that is attached to the housing submembers 72, 74 toform housing 12. Any suitable connectors can be used in attaching thecradle portion 48 to the housing submembers 72, 74, including rivets,screws, adhesives, welds, and the like. Furthermore, any suitabletechnique or process can be used in attaching the cradle portion 48 tothe housing submembers 72, 74, including ultrasonic welding, gluing,riveting, screwing, and the like. The components can also be structuredto allow a mechanical interaction between the cradle portion 48 and thehousing submembers 72, 74 that is sufficient to provide the desiredattachment. Alternatively, the cradle portion 48 can be defined by oneor both of the housing submembers 72, 74, or a unitary housing candefine the cradle portion 48.

Furthermore, housing 12 can be formed of any suitable material, and askilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate material for avalve device according to a particular embodiment based on variousconsiderations, including the intended lifespan of the valve device(e.g., single use v. reusable) and any treatment processes to which thevalve device is expected to be exposed (e.g., sterilization processes).Examples of suitable materials include plastics and metals commonly usedin the fabrication of medical devices and/or medical equipment.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, control member 26 defines first 76and second 78 recesses that are sized and configured to receive aportion of the first 22 and second 24 plungers, respectively. In theillustrated embodiment, control member 26 includes a first rampedsurface 80 that defines one wall of the first recess 76 and a secondramped surface 82 that defines one wall of the second recess 78. Therecesses 76, 78 are oriented opposite one another with respect to ahypothetical line 84 such that the ramped surfaces 80, 82 extend upwardand away from each other. This arrangement of the recesses 76, 78ensures that only one of the plungers 22, 24 is fully seated in itsrespective recess 76, 78 at any given time as the control member 26 ismoved between its first, proximal and second, distal positions. Inalternative embodiments, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 7,each of the recesses 76′, 78′ defines a shoulder that forms a track,such as shoulders 77′ and 81′ and tracks 79′ and 83′. In theseembodiments, each of the tracks 79′, 81′ receives a flange defined by ordisposed on the upper portion of the respective plunger 22′, 24′. Thus,flange 27′ is received by track 79′ and flange 29′ is received by track81′. Each of the flanges 27′, 29′ rides within the respective track 79′,81′ such that the control member 26′ pushes the respective plunger 22′,24′ upward and pulls the plunger 22′, 24′ downward with appropriatemovement of the control member 26′, as described above. In thesealternative embodiments, the tracks can be formed as recesses within thecontrol member, as a recess defined between multiple pieces that areassembled to form the control member, or in any other suitable manner.These alternative embodiments avoid reliance on recoil of a tubularmember compressed by a plunger to move the plunger back to its upperposition.

The control member 26 illustrated in FIG. 4 is suitable for use in valvedevices in which it is desired to have fluid flowing through one of theinlet paths at any given time. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of therecesses 76, 78 extends from hypothetical line 84. Thus, any proximally-or distally-directed movement of the control member 26 relative to thehypothetical line 84 results in one of the plungers 22, 24 initiatingmovement into the respective plunger cavity 56, 58. While this isdesirable in some embodiments, an intermediate position in which fluidcannot flow through either inlet path may be desirable in others. Forthese embodiments, each of the recesses can be spaced from thehypothetical line by a suitable distance. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4A, an alternative control member 26A can include recesses 76A,78A, each of which extends from a point that is spaced from thehypothetical midline 84A, providing an intermediate space 79A betweenthe two recesses 76A, 78A that does not define a recess. As a result,when this control member 26A is positioned in an intermediate position,between its first, proximal position and its second, distal position,both plungers are maintained in their first position within therespective plunger cavities of the valve device, blocking fluid flowthrough each of the respective inlet paths. This structural arrangementcan be scaled for control members that include more than two recesses,also by including an appropriate spacing between pairs of recesses. Inthese embodiments, individual pairs of recessed can all include a spaceof the same size, or different sizes. Some pairs can have no spacing,also, such as the recesses 76, 78 of the control member 26 illustratedin FIG. 4. This structural arrangement is considered advantageous atleast because it provides an additional degree of control over fluidflow through the inlet paths.

It is noted that a valve device according to an embodiment can includemore than two inlet paths that converge into a single outlet path. Inthese embodiments, the cradle portion defines the additional inletpath(s), and the control member defines additional recess(es). FIG. 5illustrates an alternative control member 26′ suitable for use in avalve device having three inlet paths. This control member 26′ definesfirst 76′, second 78′ and third 79′ recesses. The third recess 79′ isdiposed between the first 76′ and second 78′ recesses with respect toboth a lengthwise axis a₁ and a transverse axis a₂ of the control member26′. The first 76′ and second 78′ recesses have structures similar tothose in the control member 26 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thus,control member 26′ includes a first ramped surface 80′ that defines onewall of the first recess 76′ and a second ramped surface 82′ thatdefines one wall of the second recess 78′. The recesses 76′, 78′ areoriented opposite one another with respect to transverse axis a₂ suchthat the ramped surfaces 80, 82 extend upward and away from each other.In this embodiment, control member 26′ also defines third 83′ and fourth85′ ramped surfaces, each of which defines one wall of the third recess79′. The third 83′ and fourth 85′ ramped surfaces are positioned suchthat each extends upward and toward the center of the third recess 79′.This arrangement of the recesses 76′, 78′, 79′ allows the control member26′ to control fluid flow through three inlet paths and ensures thatonly one of three plungers in an associated valve device is fully seatedin its respective recess 76′, 78′, 79′ at any given time as the controlmember 26′ is moved between first, proximal, intermediate, and second,distal positions.

While inclusion of inlet tubular members 28, 30 and outlet tubularmember 32 is considered optional, inclusion of these components can beadvantageous at least because it allows the valve device 10 to controlfluid flow from and into remote locations. For example, one of the inlettubular member 28 can be placed in fluid communication with a supply ofan irrigation fluid and the other inlet tubular member 30 can beconnected to a vacuum or others source of negative air pressure. Whenthe outlet tubular member 32 is positioned at a desired point oftreatment, the control member 26 can be moved between its first,proximal position and second, distal position to selectively deliverirrigation fluid to the point of treatment and apply suction to thepoint of treatment.

If included, inlet tubular members 28, 30 and outlet tubular member 32can be formed from any suitable material and can have any suitableconfiguration. A skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriatematerial and configuration for each based in a valve device according toparticular embodiment based on various considerations. The inventorshave determined that inlet tubular members 28, 30 formed of a flexibleand resilient material, such as a polymeric material, are advantageousat least because the plungers can pinch tubular members formed of suchmaterials when blocking fluid flow through the tubular member isdesired, and the tubular member easily restores itself to an openconfiguration when the plunger moves from its first position to itssecond position, effectively removing the pinching effect. Indeed, thesetubular members can ensure that the plunger remains in its secondposition, which allows fluid flow through the tubular member, until thecontrol member moves the plunger to its first position and pinches thetubular member. Examples of suitable materials for the inlet tubularmembers include silicone tubing known in the art. The inventors havealso determined that a metal tubular member, such as a stainless steeltubular member, is suitable for the outlet tubular member at leastbecause the rigidity of such a tubular member provides desirablehandling characteristics when delivering fluid to and taking fluid awayfrom a point of treatment. Other examples of suitable materials for theoutlet tubular member include polymer-like rigid nylon, polyether etherketone (PEEK), cobalt chromium, nickel titanium alloys, and others.

Also, if included, inlet tubular members 28, 30 and outlet tubularmember 32 can have any suitable size, shape and configuration, and askilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate size, shape andconfiguration for each included tubular member in a valve deviceaccording to a particular embodiment based on various considerations,including the fluids with which the valve device is intended to be usedand the point or points of treatment at which the valve device isintended to be used. If included, inlet tubular members areadvantageously elongate tubular members having a circular or ovoidcross-sectional shape and inner passageway cross-sectional shape. Ifincluded, the outlet tubular member advantageously defines a structuralfeature, such as a bend, curve, curves, helix or other structuralfeature that facilitates placement of the distal end, and distalopening, of the outlet tubular member in or near the point of treatmentat which the particular valve device is intended to be used. Forexample, in the first example embodiment and as best illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, it is considered advantageous to include a bend 90 in theoutlet tubular member 32 to facilitate placement of the distal end 92 ofthe outlet tubular member 32 in or near a sinus passageway of a patientduring sinus surgery and/or to allow for spatial separation of aclinician's hands when using both the valve device 10 and anotherdevice, such as a scope, in a procedure. If included, bend 90 can haveany suitable angle, and a skilled artisan will be able to select anappropriate angle for a valve device according to a particularembodiment based on various considerations, including the tortuosity ofthe body cavity, passageway or other feature leading to or containingthe point of treatment at which the valve device is intended to be used.As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, bend 90 can have an angle α thatmaintains the axis of the passageway defined by the outlet tubularmember 32 on a single plane and that is between about 90° and about180°. Other examples of suitable angles include angles between about115° and about 150°, and an angle of about 135°.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate a second example valve device 110. Thesecond example valve device 110 is similar to the first example valvedevice 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A and 2B, except asdescribed below. Thus, valve device 110 includes a housing 112, first114 and second 116 inlet paths, outlet path 118, and junction 120joining the first 114 and second 116 inlet paths and the outlet path118. A first plunger 122 is partially disposed in the first inlet path114 and is movable between first and second positions. Similarly, asecond plunger 124 is partially disposed in the second inlet path 116and is movable between first and second positions. A control member (notillustrated in the FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C) is slidably disposed on thehousing 12. For this embodiment, control member 26′ illustrated in FIG.5 is suitable for inclusion in the valve device 110.

In this embodiment, the cradle portion 148 of the housing 112 defines athird inlet path 117 that is in fluid communication with the junction120. Also, the valve device 110 includes a third plunger 125 that ispartially disposed in the third inlet path 117 and is movable betweenfirst and second positions similar to the first 122 and second plungers124. Thus, in this embodiment, movement of the control mechanism from afirst, proximal position to a second, intermediate position, to a third,distal position produces selective, individual movement of the first122, second 124, and third 125 plungers. In turn, this allows a user toselectively control through which of the first 128, second 130 and third131 inlet tubular members fluid flow is allowed to pass at any giventime to the junction 120 and, ultimately the outlet tubular member, orin the opposite direction.

In FIG. 6A, control member (not illustrated) is in a first, proximalposition. In this position, the control member maintains the first 122and third 125 plungers in their first positions by blocking theseplungers 122, 125 from moving to their second position. The secondplunger (not visible in FIG. 6A), however, is able to move to its secondposition. As a result, fluid flow through the first 114 and third 117inlet paths is blocked while the second inlet path 116 is open to fluidflow.

In FIG. 6B, control member (not illustrated) is in a second,intermediate position. In this position, the control member maintainsthe first 122 and second 124 plungers in their first positions byblocking these plungers 122, 124 from moving to their second position.The third plunger (not visible in FIG. 6B), however, is able to move toits second position. As a result, fluid flow through the first 114 andsecond 116 inlet paths is blocked while the third inlet path 117 is opento fluid flow.

In FIG. 6C, control member (not illustrated) is in a third, distalposition. In this position, the control member maintains the second 124and third 125 plungers in their first positions by blocking theseplungers 124, 125 from moving to their second position. The firstplunger (not visible in FIG. 6C), however, is able to move to its secondposition. As a result, fluid flow through the second 116 and third 117inlet paths is blocked while the first inlet path 114 is open to fluidflow.

The foregoing detailed description refers to example valve devices andincludes the best mode for practicing the invention. The description andthe appended drawings illustrating the described devices are intendedonly to provide examples and not to limit the scope of the claims in anymanner.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-operated suction and irrigation medicaldevice, comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end anddefining a first inlet path, a second inlet path, and an outlet path; afirst tubular member partially disposed within the first inlet path andextending from the proximal end of the housing in a first direction; asecond tubular member partially disposed within the second inlet pathand extending from the proximal end of the housing in the firstdirection; a third tubular member partially disposed within the outletpath and extending from the distal end of the housing in a seconddirection; a control member slidably disposed on the housing, thecontrol member movable between a first, proximal position and a second,distal position; and a passageway providing fluid communication betweenthe first inlet path and an environment external to the housing suchthat covering the opening provides control over the flow of fluidthrough the first inlet path and the first tubular member.
 2. Themedical device of claim 1, wherein the first direction is substantiallyopposite the second direction.
 3. The medical device of claim 1, whereinthe third tubular member comprises a metal.
 4. The medical device ofclaim 3, wherein the metal comprises stainless steel.
 5. The medicaldevice of claim 1, wherein the third tubular member comprises a bendspaced from the distal end of the housing.
 6. The medical device ofclaim 5, wherein the bend defines an angle that is between about 90degrees and about 180 degrees.
 7. The medical device of claim 5, whereinthe bend defines an angle that is between about 115 degrees and about150 degrees.
 8. The medical device of claim 5, wherein the bend definesan angle that is about 135 degrees.
 9. The medical device of claim 1,wherein the housing has an external surface; and wherein the passagewayterminates in an opening disposed on the external surface of thehousing.
 10. The medical device of claim 9, wherein the opening ispositioned between the proximal and distal ends of the housing.
 11. Themedical device of claim 9, wherein the opening is positioned between theproximal end of the housing and the control member.
 12. A hand-operatedsuction and irrigation medical device, comprising: a housing having aproximal end and a distal end and defining a first inlet path, a secondinlet path, and an outlet path; a first tubular member partiallydisposed within the first inlet path and extending from the proximal endof the housing in a first direction; a second tubular member partiallydisposed within the second inlet path and extending from the proximalend of the housing in the first direction; a third tubular memberpartially disposed within the outlet path and extending from the distalend of the housing in a second, different direction; a control memberslidably disposed on the housing, the control member movable between afirst, proximal position and a second, distal position; and a passagewaydisposed between the proximal and distal ends of the housing andextending from the first inlet path to an opening to an environmentexternal to the housing; wherein covering the opening provides controlover the flow of fluid through the first inlet path and the firsttubular member.
 13. The medical device of claim 12, wherein the thirdtubular member comprises a metal.
 14. The medical device of claim 13,wherein the metal comprises stainless steel.
 15. The medical device ofclaim 12, wherein the third tubular member comprises a bend spaced fromthe distal end of the housing.
 16. The medical device of claim 15,wherein the bend defines an angle that is between about 90 degrees andabout 180 degrees.
 17. The medical device of claim 15, wherein the benddefines an angle that is between about 115 degrees and about 150degrees.
 18. The medical device of claim 15, wherein the bend defines anangle that is about 135 degrees.
 19. A hand-operated suction andirrigation medical device, comprising: a housing having a proximal endand a distal end and defining a first inlet path, a second inlet path,and an outlet path; a first tubular member partially disposed within thefirst inlet path and extending from the proximal end of the housing in afirst direction; a second tubular member partially disposed within thesecond inlet path and extending from the proximal end of the housing inthe first direction; a third tubular member partially disposed withinthe outlet path and extending from the distal end of the housing in asecond, different direction, the third tubular member comprising a bendspaced from the distal end of the housing; a control member slidablydisposed on the housing, the control member movable between a first,proximal position and a second, distal position; and a passagewaydisposed between the proximal and distal ends of the housing andextending from the first inlet path to an opening to an environmentexternal to the housing, the passageway providing fluid communicationbetween the first inlet path and the environment external to thehousing.
 20. The medical device of claim 19, wherein the angle isbetween about 115 degrees and about 150 degrees.